Page 26 - TAIWAN TOBACCO CONTROL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

24 Smoke-free Military According to the results from the Adult Smoking Behavior Telephone Survey, the smoking rate for men was 23.4% in 2018, the smoking rate for men between the ages of 18 to 29 years was 11.9%. These are the age brackets in which young men in Taiwan are serving military conscription. Many advanced countries focus tobacco control measures on armed forces as these institutions tend to be mostly composed of men. Therefore, the HPA began working with the Ministry of National Defense (MND) since 2003 to promote the Tobacco and Betel-quid Control Program of the Ministry of National Defense. The HPA initiated an all-out tobacco hazards and betel quid control program that included four major aspects of policies and environment, health education and promotion, cessation and services, and monitoring and research. This program exerted a direct, active, and positive influence upon the armed forces. Benefits of the program would also extend to the entire population, offering a futuristic and positive meaning for health promotion efforts in Taiwan. The "Integrated Tobacco and Betel Nut Control Program of the Ministry of National Defense" aimed at improving the lifestyles, environment, as well as physical and mental health of military officers and soldiers. Various types of tobacco hazards and betel quid control education and awareness sessions are available to in-service military officers and soldiers, military students and new entry soldiers at the military training centers, to improve tobacco and betel quid control awareness and strengthen the prevention program, while helping them to autonomously build trust and faith to refuse smoking and betel quid. In addition, high ranking officers were given consultations to help them quit so that they may set an example for others. Monitoring and research programs were also carried out in order to monitor and evaluate tobacco and betel quid control efforts in various organizations. Results would be used as a basis for revising policies and planning future work. Key work descriptions are described below: 1. Policies and environment: The Ministry of National Defense has formulated standards governing the establishment of smoking areas to implement the regulations set forth in the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and ensure the enforcement of full smoking bans in indoor areas of government agencies. Smoking areas have been gradually abolished in accordance with actual circumstances to create smoke- free environments in the military. A total of 25 smoking areas were abolished in 2018 and strict smoking bans implemented in ammunition depots and other areas with flammable and explosive materials to protect the safety of soldiers and officers and safeguard their right to health. In addition, active guidance is provided for the participation of military hospitals in healthy hospital certifications which include smoke-free hospital concepts. A total of 10 military hospitals passed these healthy hospital certifications in 2018. 2. Health education and promotion: A Smoking Cessation Contest, the Quit and Win, was organized in two different categories in 2018 (smoking cessation in 3 months and 15 months) to create a smoke-free environment in the military. Soldiers and officers are encouraged to quit smoking for good. The latest news about the contest were posted in the announcement section of the Ministry of National Defense website, military hospital Facebook, and the health education section of the Medical Affairs Bureau website to encourage soldiers and officers to participate in this contest enthusiastically.